Exclusive Interview With PJ Olsson Whose Music Was Featured on This Week’s CSI: NY & CSI: Miami
Last evening, I was fortunate enough to talk to a great musical star, PJ Olsson, whose music was featured in both CSI: Miami and CSI: NY this week. His song Hold My Light was on each of the shows and was the perfect musical accompaniment to the scenes it was featured in.
PJ is no newcomer to music, having been around in the industry for over a decade and has recorded three previous albums. Now he’s got five new songs in a new all-digital EP called The Ironwood Sessions he’s released through CBS Records.
I also found out that PJ is the lead singer for the Alan Parsons Project, a band with a very strong and dedicated fan base…much like the CSI shows!
I wanted to find out more about the role that music is playing in the television industry these days and vice-versa. Here are some of the topics we covered in our conversation:
CSIFanatic: PJ, how would you characterize your music style? When I listen to it, it has characteristic of several types of music and I’m curious how you would describe it.
PJ: I have been asked this question so many times. It’s still the same thing I said even 20 years ago when I was putting out music and people were asking me, “Hey, what do you call this?” I really think that I just do pop music. I don’t do rock, I don’t do alternative, I don’t do electronic, I don’t do hip-hop. I steal little pieces of all of them but I believe in the singer-songwriter dream, I guess.
I believe in that and I grew up in a Northern crazy pine-tree filled town and I was the kid that was listening to hip-hop. And though I grew up with the Eagles and Cat Stephens and all of that, I still was break-dancing.
CSIFanatic: So when did you decide to sign with CBS?
PJ: I guess it would have been fall of last year. We started talking then and one of the things I really love is how fast things happen these days. In the fall we started talking about his deal and in February I started handing in product.
CSIFanatic: So there seems to be a very short turn-around time in the way that you’re working with them right now, is that correct?
PJ: Yeah, I’ve been through Indie deals and major deals, but it’s just so cool to be able to give your music to them and in 2 weeks it’s out.
CSIFanatic: So that leads me to the obvious question, what exactly is an EP?
PJ: For me, an EP what we put out when we have some really good music ready and the record’s not done yet.
CSIFanatic: So it’s strictly in digital format?
PJ: Yes, it’s only available in electronic format right now.
In the past, an EP is when they have a record coming out but it’s not ready and they have some great songs and they release them as an EP to build up good feeling about the record before it’s out.
Now, the way we’re looking at it, through digital distribution, there’s way to release music quicker. Instead of releasing a record a year, it might be better to release 3, 5 or 7 song batches throughout the year. That way they are out immediately when the artist is doing them.
So this 5 song burst that CBS and I just did was us getting started together putting out some songs. And at this point, there is talk about an actual physical CD coming out in the fall.
CSIFanatic: Can you tell me about the role that music is playing in TV these days?
PJ: TV is a very insightful medium and it could be more broad than it’s ever been as far as demographics. There are so many types of shows on, from the Desperate Housewives to the Wiggles. So the competition is fierce and the amount of money spent on television and now even music has become an important part of how they add to it.
There are so many shows I see that are so cool that in a certain scene, I want to know about the song. I don’t remember doing that as much, even 10 years ago. In general, everything is just much more multimedia.
And you’ll be happy to know that I even watch CSI.
CSIFanatic: Good for you! What’s your favorite of the shows?
PJ: I would have to say CSI: NY is the one we watch the most, and we also watch CSI: Miami. We watch that for Horatio because we find him to be so smooth. He’s always got a classic line to say. My wife and I love that guy!
CSIFanatic: Has your music been featured in any other shows besides the two CSIs yet?
PJ: Yeah, it’s been featured in the Ghost Whisperer. It was at the peak moment in the show and there was about 4 minutes of the song, She Says to Fly. It’s only Memories was in NCIS. They also used one of the songs on The Unit.
CSIFanatic: Has your music been in any movies?
PJ: Not yet, but CBS will probably do that too.
CSIFanatic: What else can we expect to see from you in the near future? Do you have any other music in the works?
PJ: I’m working on another batch of songs right now that we’re going to put out as a CD in the fall. And I’m always out there playing live, whether I’m playing for myself or I’m singing for Alan Parsons.
CSIFanatic: Are there some upcoming gigs you want me to mention?
PJ: My next date with Alan Parsons will be June 14th in Clearwater, Florida at the Ruth Eckert Hall. And June 15th in Fort Meyers, Florida. People can check the full list of dates for Alan Parsons at alanparsons.com.
I don’t have any of my own dates right now because I’m primarily in the studio for the next two months. In the fall, when the CD comes out there will be a ton of new dates. We hope to go to all the cites with it.
CSIFanatic: Any chance you’ll come to St. Louis, where I am? I’d like to see you in person here.
PJ: Well, you can send an email to my manager and tell him that. His name is Will Sharp and his email address is wil@ses-la.com. (All of you out there that are interested in PJ coming to your town, be sure to do the same…write to his manager.)
For anyone wanting to hear learn more about PJ, his music or his play dates can visit his MySpace site or his regular web site.
He’s a very warm and friendly guy and was a complete joy to talk to. I hope he continues to do very well in his career.
csi-miami, csi miami, CSI, cbs, tv, Television, csi-new-york, csi ny, CSI las vegas
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